Saturday, October 15, 2011

York Regional Police are warning the public of a potential health hazard after X-ray equipment was stolen from an industrial business in Markham.

Police said a laboratory on Esna Park Dr. was broken into sometime after 11 p.m. on Oct. 10. The suspects gained entry by breaking glass at the front door, and stole computer and testing equipment.

One of the stolen pieces of equipment was a diffractometer X-ray lamp, which if broken, can pose a serious health risk. The lamp contains Beryllium 7, a toxic material that is corrosive and radioactive.

Police said the lamp, as pictured, is not dangerous while still intact as it only emits radioactive waves when powered. However, if the bulb inside the lamp breaks, the small amount of toxic material can be dangerous to touch.

Police are asking anybody who recognizes the lamp or believes they may have come in contact with it to call 911 for specialized assistance. Anyone with information can call York police at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7541 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. Source